[LT Profits]

Courtesy of Footballguys.com


Jets | Jamison Crowder excited for offense
New York Jets WR Jamison Crowder said he is excited to play in head coach Adam Gase's offense because of how it utilizes slot receivers.
Link to story
Jamison Crowder player page

Steelers | Contract in the works for Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's contract talks are 'still ongoing,' according to general manager Kevin Colbert. 'This is probably his last contract as an NFL player, so it's significant,' Colbert said.
Link to story
Ben Roethlisberger player page

Redskins | Colt McCoy had leg surgery
Washington Redskins QB Colt McCoy (leg) had surgery on his right leg, but he is expected to be ready when offseason programs begin.
Link to story
Colt McCoy player page

Patriots | Rob Gronkowski announces retirement
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL Sunday, March 24.

Footballguys view: That's a wrap for one of the best to ever play the game at his position. Gronkowski was flat out dominant when healthy and is certainly bound for the Hall of Fame, likely as a first-ballot nominee. Fantasy GMs loved him as a TE1 for years and now the Patriots have a huge hole at the position. Guys like Jacob Hollister, Matt LaCosse and Stephen Anderson will compete for the starting job...and the Patriots should be looking to add a top tight end in the draft.

Link to story
Rob Gronkowski player page

NFL | Jeremy Maclin retires
Free-agent WR Jeremy Maclin (Ravens) announced his retirement Sunday, March 24.

Footballguys view: Maclin was out of the league last year so this is not a surprise. He was one of the top big-play receivers in the NFL back in 2014 and 2015.

Link to story
Jeremy Maclin player page

Broncos | Denver to meet with four top QB prospects
Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray, Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins, Missouri QB Drew Lock and Duke QB Daniel Jones will have official visits with the Denver Broncos before the 2019 NFL Draft, according to general manager John Elway.

Footballguys view: Lock and Jones have been linked to the Broncos in various publications before and after the Scouting Combine. With the no.10 overall pick they could be looking for the heir apparent to the newly-acquired Joe Flacco. We think they go in a different direction (ILB) with their first-round pick in 2019 but we'll see if they fall in love with one of these top prospects.

Link to story

NFL | Several teams met with two WVU receivers
West Virginia WRs Gary Jennings and David Sills met with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions earlier this week.
Link to story

Giants | Will Grier meets with Giants
West Virginia QB Will Grier said he had a meeting with the New York Giants Thursday, March 21.

Footballguys view: Grier is seen as a 'riser' in this draft class. With a skill set similar to that of Andy Dalton when he came out of TCU, Grier could work his way into the end of the first round. If he's there in the early second round (and the Giants didn't take Dwayne Haskins 6th overall), then perhaps he could be groomed as the next guy in line after Eli Manning's days with the Giants are done.

Link to story



Source: footballguys.com

[mr. leisure]

Good for Gronk , retire while you can still walk .

[Otters27]

Good for Gronk , retire while you can still walk .

Never seen a guy always injured so much

[LT Profits]

Broncos | Jake Butt thinks he's five months away
Denver Broncos TE Jake Butt (knee) thinks he's about five months away from returning and hopes to be ready for training camp.
Link to story
Jake Butt player page

49ers | SF hopes for long-term deal with Robbie Gould
San Francisco 49ers franchise free-agent PK Robbie Gould has not signed his tender offer at this point, but general manager John Lynch said the team hopes to sign Gould to a multi-year contract. Lynch said the two sides talked at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Link to story
Robbie Gould player page

Titans | Delanie Walker should be ready for 2019
Tennessee Titans TE Delanie Walker (ankle) is expected to be ready for the 2019 season, but his status for offseason workouts is uncertain, according to general manager Jon Robinson.
Link to story
Delanie Walker player page

Cowboys | Allen Hurns making some progress
Dallas Cowboys WR Allen Hurns (ankle) has started some light jogging and hopes to be ready for training camp, according to his agent.
Link to story
Allen Hurns player page

Eagles | Carson Wentz could receive extension
Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz is a player the Eagles would like to sign to a contract extension at some point, according to general manager Howie Roseman.
Link to story
Carson Wentz player page

Raiders | Marshawn Lynch will decide after draft
Free-agent RB Marshawn Lynch (Raiders) will make a decision on whether or not to retire following the NFL Draft, according to Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock. The Raiders have already said they would welcome Lynch back.

Footballguys view: We'll see if Lynch wants to continue playing for one more year. The Raiders are still in Oakland and that may be tempting for Lynch to stay and give the local fans something to cheer for before the team moves to Las Vegas in 2020.

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Marshawn Lynch player page

Buccaneers | Blaine Gabbert back to Florida?
Free-agent QB Blaine Gabbert (Titans) is expected to be signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the near future, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic.

Footballguys view: Gabbert can be the backup to Jameis Winston in 2019. His playing style should mesh with Bruce Arians offense and the downfield passing we expect Tampa to use early and often this season.

Link to story
Blaine Gabbert player page

Eagles | Jay Ajayi in touch with Eagles
Free-agent RB Jay Ajayi (Eagles) has kept in contact with the Philadelphia Eagles despite having a good meeting with the Indianapolis Colts recently.

Footballguys view: There's no rush for Ajayi to sign with a team right now. He is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season wherever he plays, despite recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament.

Link to story
Jay Ajayi player page



Source: footballguys.com

[LT Profits]

Raiders | Darren Waller could step into big role
Oakland Raiders TE Darren Waller is 'interesting' and someone the team is going to give 'a chance of a lifetime' in 2019, according to head coach Jon Gruden.
Link to story
Darren Waller player page

Seahawks | Will Dissly progressing nicely
Seattle Seahawks TE Will Dissly (knee) is working out and doing well in his rehab, but head coach Pete Carroll told reporters Dissly won't return to the field until training camp.
Link to story
Will Dissly player page

Giants | NY Giants have discussed acquiring Josh Rosen
Arizona Cardinals QB Josh Rosen has been the subject of internal discussions by the New York Giants, although the discussions were described as 'extremely preliminary,' according to a source.
Link to story
Josh Rosen player page

Seahawks | Doug Baldwin to be out a while
Seattle Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (hernia) is set to undergo sports hernia surgery in April, and head coach Pete Carroll recently told reporters he doesn't know 'conclusively' if that surgery will be the last one Baldwin has this offseason. However, Carroll added the team remains confident Baldwin will be able to play in 2019.
Link to story
Doug Baldwin player page

Raiders | Isaiah Crowell to meet with Oakland
Free-agent RB Isaiah Crowell (Jets) is scheduled to visit with the Oakland Raiders on Thursday, March 28.
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Isaiah Crowell player page

Buccaneers | Chris Godwin talked up by coach Tue Mar 26, 07:35 PM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin will see plenty of time in the slot this year and head coach Bruce Arians believes the third-year wide receiver can catch 100 passes.

Footballguys view: Godwin could play the 'Larry Fitzgerald' role in the Arians offense. As that sort of possession receiver, he could be in line for 100 catches in 2019. We love Godwin in dynasty leagues and he should have plenty of value in PPR leagues this season.

Link to story
Chris Godwin player page

Jets | Le'Veon Bell's workload will be monitored
New York Jets RB Le'Veon Bell won't be burnt out with his new team if head coach Adam Gase has his way. Gase said the Jets will keep an eye on Bell's practice snaps and snap count in games. 'This is not going to be [a situation] where we burn him out in the first six months,' Gase said.

Footballguys view: It's been some time since Bell was toting the rock in a regular season game. The Jets are wise to monitor his touches, not only in practices but in games as well. Bell should still post strong RB1 numbers in 2019, this just means they'll give him a breather from time to time.

Link to story
Le'Veon Bell player page

Bears | Jordan Howard has a role
Chicago Bears RB Jordan Howard still has a role with the Bears, but he could still be traded nonetheless, according to head coach Matt Nagy.

Footballguys view: He could be on the team or he could be somewhere else. Yup...that's about as clear as mud. One thing is certain, if the Bears could move him they would. Howard is a bruising power back and an odd fit for Nagy's offense. We'll see if he can find a new home in 2019 or if Howard will take a smaller role with the Bears this season.

Link to story
Jordan Howard player page

Jaguars | Marqise Lee back by preseason?
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Marqise Lee (knee) is expected to be ready late in the preseason as he continues to recover from ligament damage, according to head coach Doug Marrone.

Footballguys view: Lee missed all of the 2018 season due to a knee injury suffered in the preseason. He's no lock for the start of the 2019 regular season. Keep an eye on this situation as we get into training camp. Lee could be the top target for Nick Foles when he's finally healthy.

Link to story
Marqise Lee player page

Rams | Jared Goff extension talks on hold
Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff's potential contract extension isn't a top priority currently, according to head coach Sean McVay. 'Whether it happens this year, next year, those are things we haven't really gotten into in depth about yet,' McVay said.

Footballguys view: With the fifth-year option, the Rams have Goff under contract through the 2020 season. They don't have a rush to get something done, although one could easily make the argument that the sooner the better (and cheaper).

Link to story
Jared Goff player page

Vikings | Sean Mannion to visit Vikings
Free-agent QB Sean Mannion (Rams) has a visit scheduled with the Minnesota Vikings later this week, according to a source.

Footballguys view: The Vikings are looking for competition behind starter Kirk Cousins since Trevor Siemian (Jets) moved on in free agency. Mannion is tall, athletic and has a big arm. He would compete with Kyle Sloter to be a backup if added by the Vikings.

Link to story
Sean Mannion player page

Chargers | Antonio Gates could return
Free-agent TE Antonio Gates (Chargers) could still be re-signed by the Los Angeles Chargers, according to head coach Anthony Lynn.

Footballguys view: Of course he could. The Chargers are looking for Hunter Henry to play, stay healthy and showcase the supreme natural talent he has. There's not much behind Henry in terms of pass-catching tight ends (apologies to Virgil Green), so perhaps Gates would be in line for one more run.

Link to story
Antonio Gates player page

Bills | Chris Ivory shown the door
Buffalo Bills RB Chris Ivory is being released Tuesday, March 26, according to a source.

Footballguys view: No surprise here. The Bills added Frank Gore in free agency, and the seasoned veteran will work in some form of RBBC with LeSean McCoy in 2019. Ivory might struggle to find work now that he's on the open market.

Link to story
Chris Ivory player page

Panthers | Cam Newton progressing
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (shoulder) has encouraged head coach Ron Rivera by the progress he has made in his recovery from shoulder surgery in January. 'I look forward to seeing him soon,' Rivera said, 'but just very happy that things are trending in the right direction.'

Footballguys view: Good news for all involved here. The Panthers are confident that Newton will be ready for training camp. Now, the key is keeping Newton healthy in 2019. If they can do that, the Panthers could have the makings of another playoff run.

Link to story
Cam Newton player page



Source: footballguys.com

[Otters27]

Wow amazing that Gates can still play. One of the all time greats

[LT Profits]

Bengals | Cincy open to A.J. Green extension
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green is a candidate for a contract extension if the two sides are able to agree on his price range, according to owner Mike Brown.
Link to story
A.J. Green player page

Bengals | No extension for Andy Dalton yet
Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton will not receive a contract extension this offseason because the team wants to see how he plays in 2019, according to owner Mike Brown.
Link to story
Andy Dalton player page

Dolphins | Johnnie Dixon to take part in local workout
Ohio State WR Johnnie Dixon plans to participate in the Miami Dolphins' local prospects workout Friday, April 5. He will also have a dinner meeting with the Dolphins Thursday, April 4.
Link to story

Dolphins | Miami to work out Dwayne Haskins
Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins is scheduled to work out for the Miami Dolphins in the near future.
Link to story

Dolphins | Miami to meet with Devin Singletary
Florida Athletic RB Devin Singletary is scheduled to have a dinner meeting with the Miami Dolphins Thursday, April 4. Singletary said he does not plan to participate in the team's local prospects workout Friday, April 5.
Link to story

NFL | Devin Singletary talks with three teams
Florida Athletic RB Devin Singletary (hamstring) met with the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills at his Pro Day. He was scheduled to work out for the Bills but was not able to participate because of a hamstring injury.
Link to story

Seahawks | Doug Baldwin out a while
Seattle Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin (hernia) will miss six to eight weeks after his hernia surgery, according to head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll said three surgeries have taken their toll on Baldwin but that if anyone can pull through it, he can.
Link to story
Doug Baldwin player page

Browns | Duke Johnson not being shopped
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson is staying put as the Browns have seemingly cooled on trade talks for their pass-catching running back. Head coach Freddie Kitchens said Johnson is a good football player and will have a role with the Browns.

Footballguys view: Johnson should have a role with the Browns as a pass-catching running back. Once Kareem Hunt serves his 8-game suspension, Johnson's role could dwindle to little or nothing. Trade talks may have cooled down now for Johnson but they could heat back up around the trade deadline.

Link to story
Duke Johnson Jr player page

Browns | Odell Beckham should report
Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to show up for the start of Cleveland's offseason program Monday, April 1. Beckham had planned to end his offseason by April 15 before being traded to the Browns.

Footballguys view: The Browns get to start a week early because they hired a new head coach. Beckham is the no.1 wideout for the Browns with college teammate Jarvis Landry working alongside him. With Baker Mayfield running the show, the Browns have one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL.

Link to story
Odell Beckham Jr player page



Source: footballguys.com

[LT Profits]

The Week in NFL News

..
AFC

Baltimore - GM Eric DeCosta said the team is keeping CB Jimmy Smith and targeting wide receiver in the draft
Why It Matters: Smith has had trouble staying on the field in recent years, but still plays at a high level. His 9+ million dollar salary is steep, but his presence gives the Ravens one of the best #1-#4 cornerback depth charts in the league. Willie Snead IV and Chris Moore are the only experienced wide receivers on the roster, so if the team is focusing on the draft for reinforcements, that implies that tight end will remain a big part of a small passing game and the Ravens wide receiver group will be no place to look for breakout fantasy players. The Ravens are taking a big risk on offense carrying no credible starting outside receivers, one that could make their running game much easier to defend.

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Buffalo - released RB Chris Ivory, signed CB E.J. Gaines (Cleveland) to a one-year, $3.6 million dollar deal, signed TE Jake Fisher (Cincinnati) to a one-year deal
Why It Matters: Ivory’s release clears the way for Frank Gore to be the clear #2 back. He might wait until midseason running back injuries strike to be on a regular season roster. Gaines was once a solid starter for the Bills and could elevate back to that role with a wide open depth chart at corner opposite Tre’Davious White. Fisher was a failed second-round pick with the Bengals and has reinvented himself as a tight end. He could help the running game in heavy sets.

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Cincinnati - QB Andy Dalton won’t get an extension as the team wants him to re-establish himself before committing
Why It Matters: The Bengals are an outside possibility to take a quarterback in the first round at #11, and this item won’t lessen the buzz around that possibility. The Bengals are starting fresh with a new offensive-minded head coach. Dalton is past his prime and the team could conceivably move on from him with no cap hit next year even though he’s under contract for $17.5 million, a very reasonable number for any credible starting quarterback.

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Denver - head coach Vic Fangio said RB Phillip Lindsay won’t be ready for OTAs after offseason wrist surgery
Why It Matters: Lindsay’s wrist surgery was not minor, and he could have trouble regaining all of the wrist strength he had before the injury. Royce Freeman still figures prominently in the team’s plans and could use this opening to remind them why they took him in the third round last year.

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Houston - signed OT Matt Kalil (Carolina) to a one-year deal
Why It Matters: Deshaun Watson will need some prayers to make it through the season in one piece behind a line that features Kalil as their best tackle. He should be ready by training camp, but he looked like a broken player in 2017 before missing all of 2018 with a knee injury. The Texans reportedly were one of three teams in on Trent Brown before he chose Oakland and they were in on Rodger Saffold before he chose division rival Tennessee.

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Indianapolis - signed EDGE Justin Houston (Kansas City) to a two-year, $24 million dollar deal
Why It Matters: The Colts are a playoff team in a more open than last time we checked AFC, so making a “win now” move with some of their copious cap room makes sense. Houston was released, so he won’t count against the compensatory pick formula. While durability has been an issue for him, impact when healthy has not been. He could get a defensive end designation, which would be a boost to his stock in IDP leagues. The Colts can now put Houston and Jabaal Sheard out there on passing downs while the pair of 2018 second-round pick defensive ends Tyquan Lewis and Kemoko Turay develop.

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Jacksonville - head coach Doug Marrone believes WR Marqise Lee will return from knee surgery “late in the preseason”
Why It Matters: Lee’s ACL tear happened in the preseason, and a 12-month recovery timeline is a bit long for a simple ACL reconstruction. He might have a slow transition back to full speed, which probably means Dede Westbrook will be the #1 receiver for Nick Foles entering his first season as the Jaguars starter.

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Los Angeles Chargers - TE Hunter Henry is expected to be ready for OTAs, head coach Anthony Lynn said TE Antonio Gates could return to the team this season
Why It Matters: Henry appears to be fully healthy and his knee intact after returning to the active roster during the playoffs. He is expected to have a larger role in the passing game along with Mike Williams after Tyrell Williams signed with Oakland, but if Gates does return, that will cap Henry’s upside and targets.

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New England - TE Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano announced he is stepping down
Why It Matters: The impact to the Patriots offense can’t be overstated, although Gronkowski’s blocking was more impactful to the running game than his receiving skills were to the passing game. His vacated targets should be soaked up by a combination of Julian Edelman, James White, and any number of wide receivers who will comprise a committee approach to the position. Stephen Anderson and Jacob Hollister are the best candidates to replace Gronkowski’s receiving contributions, although the team is likely to take a tight end from this strong and deep draft class. They were also pursuing Jared Cook before he decided instead to join the Saints. Many have indicated that Gronkowski could return for the playoffs if the Patriots asked nicely, or that we shouldn’t completely believe that we have seen him play on an NFL field for the last time. Schiano's stint as defensive coordinator was a blink and you'll miss it event. He was not even officially announced as the hire. There has been no report as to the nature of the change of heart by Schiano. Bret Bielema is on the staff and could be named defensive coordinator if Bill Belichick doesn't look outside of the organization. It's fair to wonder if losing two defensive coordinators and one possible replacement will affect the defense, but as long as Belichick is there, they should be ok.

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New York Jets - GM Mike Maccagnan said the team is “very open to potentially moving back from three.”
Why It Matters: The Jets did the opposite last year to get their quarterback. This year, they hope that Kyler Murray gets past Arizona and San Francisco, or that a team wants Dwayne Haskins badly enough to get ahead of the Giants and Raiders. Everything is uncertain right now, but as the draft gets closer, we should have some clarity on the Cardinals decision. Maccagnan can set up the framework for a deal with quarterback-needy teams contingent on their guy being there in the meantime.

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Oakland - signed S Curtis Riley (New York Giants), signed QBs Mike Glennon (Arizona) and Landry Jones (Pittsburgh), GM Mike Mayock said RB Marshawn Lynch will decide about his future with the team after the draft, will host QBs Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins for private workouts, signed RB Isaiah Crowell (New York Jets) to a one-year deal
Why It Matters: Riley was a starter for the Giants last year and could get significant snaps when free agent acquisition Lamarcus Joyner plays slot corner. Glennon and Jones will compete with Nathan Peterman to back up Derek Carr… if Oakland doesn’t select Murray or Haskins. We can’t believe what Jon Gruden has said about his commitment to Carr. Lynch looked good last year and could return because the Raiders are confirmed to be playing in his hometown of Oakland again this year, but now he would face stiff competition from Crowell, a similar back, and the Raiders could also take a back in the draft.

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NFC

Arizona - Joel Klatt of Fox Sports reports that QB Josh Rosen “is going to get moved”
Why It Matters: Talk of Rosen’s availability and the Cardinals decision about Kyler Murray at #1 picked up again this week. Klatt said the Chargers, Patriots, and Giants are the teams most interested in Rosen. Certainly it makes no sense for the Cardinals to hold onto Rosen if they are selecting Murray, even if they have to trade him at a loss from what they gave up to get him when they moved up to #10 for Rosen last year. His value will only decline on the bench behind Murray and the buzz around league circles about Rosen has not been good. This story is the key to unlocking the first round of the draft, and we should get more clarity on the question soon.

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Atlanta - Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman reports that the Falcons and Jones are “closing in” on a four or five-year contract extension worth $20 million a year that would include $50-$60 million in new guarantees
Why It Matters: After the Antonio Brown fiasco in Pittsburgh and the shocking Odell Beckham Jrtrade, it looks like at least one organization is handling their #1 receiver well. Jones just turned 30 and is still in his prime. He’ll be a top 15 pick in most leagues.

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Carolina - head coach Ron Rivera said he has learned the “value of numbers” from owner David Tepper, re-signed RB Cameron Artis-Payne to a one-year deal
Why It Matters: Rivera expanded the answer to “taking time to step back… and analyze some of the data we have and how best to use it”. He cited GPS, next gen stats and analytics of fourth-down plays as the type of data they could value more this year. Rivera is jokingly known as one of the most conservative coaches in the league, so we’ll believe him backing off of “old school” thinking to embrace new approaches supported by data when we see it. Artis-Payne appears to be the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, although the team could still take a back in the draft to provide competition.

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Chicago - head coach Matt Nagy said RB Jordan Howard has a role in the offense, but reiterated that the team will always listen to offers involving any player that could improve their team
Why It Matters: The bottom has dropped out of Howard’s value, but he’s only 24 and a proven, effective runner in the NFL. He only has one year left on his rookie deal and teams are likely waiting on the draft to commit any more money or assets to a running back. The best the Bears can hope for if they want to trade Howard is a training camp or early season injury. New signing Mike Davis could get more work than Howard if both are on the Bears roster for the entire season.

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Dallas - C Travis Frederick is expected to be ready for offseason workouts, signed S George Iloka (Minnesota) to a one-year deal, expected to acquire EDGE Robert Quinn from Miami
Why It Matters: Frederick being cleared from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an immune system disorder, after it cost him the 2018 season, and January shoulder surgery would be a huge win for the Cowboys offense. Iloka might actually start on a very cheap contract, but that exposes the Cowboys problems at the position more than him being an underrated commodity. Look for opponents to try to expose this weakness. The Cowboys need a boost to their pass rush after basically losing Randy Gregory and David Irving this offseason, and Quinn will provide it. His deal is reportedly being reworked and Miami will only ask a sixth-round pick in 2020. They may even pay part of his salary like they did in the Ryan Tannehill trade.

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Detroit - signed CB Rashaan Melvin (Oakland) to a one-year, $3.5 million dollar deal
Why It Matters: Melvin could start opposite Darius Slay, although the Lions must be hoping 2017 second round pick Teez Tabor seizes the job. Melvin played a half season under Matt Patricia in 2015, which should help his transition to a new team.

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Green Bay - WR Jordy Nelson announced his retirement
Why It Matters: Nelson’s last team was Oakland, but he’ll always be a Packer to us. He was still getting interest around the league and could get calls during the season if a team is in a bind. Nelson was actually relevant in fantasy late last year due to volume on shorter targets in the Raiders offense, so his days of being useful weren’t quite over, but he decided to bow out gracefully, instead of showing a continued decline in his abilities.

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Los Angeles Rams - matched two-year, $3.25 million dollar offer sheet for RB Malcolm Brown, WR Cooper Kupp’s ACL surgery recovery has proceeded to where it is “supposed to be”
Why It Matters: The Lions offer sheet was almost a favor for the Rams, as his per year rate is less than his one-year pay under his original round RFA tender. The Rams might feel set at running back now, and if they don’t add a back in the draft, it will be a good sign for Todd Gurley’s knee worries. Kupp’s knee has no worries about it now, but seeing him play in the preseason after November surgery would be even more comforting.

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New Orleans - signed TE Jared Cook (Oakland) to a two-year, $15.5 million dollar deal
Why It Matters: The Saints had competition from the Gronk-less Patriots, but won out in the end. Cook is the best tight end the team has had since Jimmy Graham was traded to the Seahawks. He should be an instant top 5-6 fantasy consideration at the position in fantasy drafts, although he’ll still be behind Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara in the pecking order and might have some peaks and valleys. The biggest payday of the soon-to-be 32-year-old’s career came late because he languished under Jeff Fisher earlier in his career.

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San Francisco - GM John Lynch said RB Jerick McKinnon will be a 49er in 2019
Why It Matters: After Tevin Coleman was added and Raheem Mostert was re-signed, there was some speculation that McKinnon would be released, but Lynch shot that down. This jives with Kyle Shanahan’s earlier comment about possibly have four running backs active on game days. The best outcome for the 49ers - that all of their running backs stay healthy - would be the worst for fantasy players, as the team could use a “hot hand” approach. Every one of the top four backs on the roster has upside because of their proven abilities and the lack of proven durability from any of their peers. This could be a situation that rewards patience and active waiver wire players.

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Tampa Bay - GM Jason Licht said WR Chris Godwin could play the Larry Fitzgerald role in the Bruce Arians offense and Arians said he can be “close to a 100 catch guy”, signed QB Blaine Gabbert (Tennessee)
Why It Matters: Prepare for Godwin hype to get out of control. His draft cost could move into the 3rd/4th round range by August. He has the talent, surrounding offense, and opportunity to still pay off at that cost a la Juju Smith-Schuster last year. Arians knows Gabbert from their time together in Arizona in 2017, when Gabbert displayed a few glimmers of hope to at least become a solid backup. He’ll compete with Ryan Griffin to be the #2 behind Jameis Winston.

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Washington - Head coach Jay Gruden thinks RB Derrius Guice will be a full go for the open of training camp
Why It Matters: Guice had three additional procedures when infections set back his recovery, but all footage of his progress and comments from the team indicate optimism. He’ll still have to share with Adrian Peterson in an offense led by Colt McCoy, Case Keenum, or a rookie, so his early draft cost being similar to last year might be a bit overeager.


Source: footballguys.com.

[mr. leisure]

Going to be weird to see Odell Beckham in a Cleveland jersey .

[LT Profits]

Lions | More to come from Logan Thomas?

Detroit Lions TE Logan Thomas has not 'hit his ceiling' yet, according to general manager Bob Quinn.

Link to story
Logan Thomas player page

Dawson Knox shows off his speed

Mississippi TE Dawson Knox ran an unofficial 4.57 in the 40-yard dash at Mississippi's pro day.

Link to story

Redskins | Trey Quinn receives praise

Washington Redskins WR Trey Quinn is expected to replace WR Jamison Crowder in the slot, according to head coach Jay Gruden. 'But I'm ready to watch Trey Quinn jump in that slot role and dominate the position,' Gruden said. 'I'm excited for him.'

Link to story
Jamison Crowder player page
Trey Quinn player page

Raiders | Oakland adding Luke Willson

Free-agent TE Luke Willson (Lions) agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders Friday, March 29, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Link to story
Luke Willson player page

Titans | Tennessee met with N'Keal Harry

Arizona State WR N'Keal Harry met with the Tennessee Titans Tuesday, March 26.

Footballguys view: Harry is one of the best players at his position in the 2019 NFL draft. His run-after-the-catch ability is his best asset, and Harry can make difficult catches seem routine. He should be a first-round pick, and the Titans could be in line to select him 19th overall.
Link to story

NFL | Two visits for D.K. Metcalf

Mississippi WR D.K. Metcalf is scheduled to meet with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens before the 2019 NFL Draft, according to sources.

Footballguys view: Metcalf has taken the pre-draft process by storm. He's big, measuring in at a bulky 6'3" 228 pounds. Metcalf is fast, streaking down the field for a 4.33 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine earlier this year. He's raw as a route-runner but has the physical traits to be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. The Bills may be the first team in line to draft him as they have the 9th overall selection.
Link to story

Patriots | Tom Brady may stay away this offseason

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady appears likely to skip the voluntary workouts this offseason like he did last year.

Footballguys view: Brady is doing his own thing, and that shouldn't change. He did the same thing last season and ended up with another Super Bowl championship.
Link to story
Tom Brady player page

Patriots | N'Keal Harry to visit

Arizona State WR N'Keal Harry is scheduled to meet with the New England Patriots before the 2019 NFL Draft, according to a source.

Footballguys view: Harry is set to be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He's big (6'2" 228 pounds) and has fantastic run-after-the-catch ability. Harry can make difficult grabs and NFL.com's Lance Zierlein call the Arizona State prospect a 'back shoulder boss.'
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NFL | Darrell Henderson talks with four teams

University of Memphis RB Darrell Henderson met with the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Bucs on Thursday, March 28. He also sat down with the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams on Friday, March 29.

Footballguys view: Henderson is one of our favorite running backs in the 2019 NFL draft. He's built low to the ground (5'8" 208 pounds) and is a big play waiting to happen. Henderson does a good job of keeping his feet upon contact and can be used effectively as a receiver out of the backfield. He should be a second- or third-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
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Colts | Marlon Mack a three-down back?

Indianapolis Colts RB Marlon Mack can 'carry the load' and 'play on all three downs,' according to general manager Chris Ballard.

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Marlon Mack player page


Source: footballguys.com

[LT Profits]

Broncos | Denver set to meet with two college QBs
Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson is scheduled to work out for the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, April 3. The Broncos are also slated to bring in Missouri QB Drew Lock for a top-30 visit April 7 and 8.
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Saints | Tre'Quan Smith ready for leap?
New Orleans Saints WR Tre'Quan Smith is set to take a big step forward this offseason, according to head coach Sean Payton.
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NFL | Dawson Knox receiving interest
Mississippi TE Dawson Knox met with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos at this Pro Day this week. He is also receiving interest from the Dallas Cowboys.

Footballguys view: Knox is a 'Y' tight end who could be a third- or fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He's a vertical threat who can be dangerous down the seam. Knox is far from a finished product, so any team that drafts him must know he is a bit of a project.

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Colts | Indianapolis in contact with Dontrelle Inman
Free-agent WR Dontrelle Inman (Colts) is still receiving interest from the Indianapolis Colts, but the two sides are not close to an agreement.

Footballguys view: Inman played in nine games last year for the Colts, catching 28 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. The Colts went out in free agency and added Devin Funchess but GM Chris Ballard has expressed interest in bringing back Inman. He did work out for the Lions but remains on the open market.

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Dontrelle Inman player page



Source: footballguys.com